“Turn on” fluorescence enhancement of Zn octacarboxyphthaloyanine-graphene oxide conjugates by hydrogen peroxide
- Shumba, Munyaradzi, Mashazi, Philani N, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Shumba, Munyaradzi , Mashazi, Philani N , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/240875 , vital:50881 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2015.11.001"
- Description: Zn octacarboxy phthalocyanine-reduced graphene oxide or graphene oxide conjugates were characterized by absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermo gravimetric analysis and X-ray photon spectroscopy. The presence of reduced graphene oxide or graphene oxide resulted in the quenching (turn on) of Zn octacarboxy phthalocyanine fluorescence which can be explained by photoinduced electron transfer. Zn octacarboxy phthalocyanine-reduced graphene oxide or graphene oxide conjugates “turned on” fluorescence showed a linear response to hydrogen peroxide hence their potential to be used as sensors. The nanoprobe developed showed high selectivity towards hydrogen peroxide in the presence of physiological interferences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Shumba, Munyaradzi , Mashazi, Philani N , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/240875 , vital:50881 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2015.11.001"
- Description: Zn octacarboxy phthalocyanine-reduced graphene oxide or graphene oxide conjugates were characterized by absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermo gravimetric analysis and X-ray photon spectroscopy. The presence of reduced graphene oxide or graphene oxide resulted in the quenching (turn on) of Zn octacarboxy phthalocyanine fluorescence which can be explained by photoinduced electron transfer. Zn octacarboxy phthalocyanine-reduced graphene oxide or graphene oxide conjugates “turned on” fluorescence showed a linear response to hydrogen peroxide hence their potential to be used as sensors. The nanoprobe developed showed high selectivity towards hydrogen peroxide in the presence of physiological interferences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Investigating the role of the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod in introducing learners to music career
- Authors: Sibene, Vuyelwa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Choral music -- South Africa , Choral singing -- Instruction and study -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26382 , vital:65298
- Description: This research investigates the role of South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) in introducing learners in high schools to music career. It attempts to identify learners in grade 12 who want to study music at university and students who were involved in SASCE and are now in university. These learners and students have limited music background and are/were involved in the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) program. Within the study, I felt to also include a graduated music student to validate the study. The study proceeds with the investigation by exploring numerous areas such as SASCE as a music program, music education, music careers, national curriculum, music literacy etc. Also, I write about the background to the study in which I share my motivation and experiences about the SASCE programme and how it influenced me and other former SASCE participants’ decisions about musical careers. Data collection is executed through the involvement of the sampled learner and students through participating in semi-structured interview, document analysis and personal observations. Four interviews which were in qualitative method were conducted with 4 participants, one interview each participant was in a semi-structure form. Interviews were aimed in recognizing the current status of the learner/students in music literacy and are they coping in their respected places of study. The data is analyzed using a qualitative analyses technique. Further, the study outlines problems and one research question of the investigation, 'To which extent do University music students with limited music background succeed or fail to obtain their music degrees?’. , Thesis (BMUS) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2016
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Sibene, Vuyelwa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Choral music -- South Africa , Choral singing -- Instruction and study -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26382 , vital:65298
- Description: This research investigates the role of South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) in introducing learners in high schools to music career. It attempts to identify learners in grade 12 who want to study music at university and students who were involved in SASCE and are now in university. These learners and students have limited music background and are/were involved in the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) program. Within the study, I felt to also include a graduated music student to validate the study. The study proceeds with the investigation by exploring numerous areas such as SASCE as a music program, music education, music careers, national curriculum, music literacy etc. Also, I write about the background to the study in which I share my motivation and experiences about the SASCE programme and how it influenced me and other former SASCE participants’ decisions about musical careers. Data collection is executed through the involvement of the sampled learner and students through participating in semi-structured interview, document analysis and personal observations. Four interviews which were in qualitative method were conducted with 4 participants, one interview each participant was in a semi-structure form. Interviews were aimed in recognizing the current status of the learner/students in music literacy and are they coping in their respected places of study. The data is analyzed using a qualitative analyses technique. Further, the study outlines problems and one research question of the investigation, 'To which extent do University music students with limited music background succeed or fail to obtain their music degrees?’. , Thesis (BMUS) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2016
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
“Turn on” fluorescence enhancement of Zn octacarboxyphthaloyanine-graphene oxide conjugates by hydrogen peroxide
- Shumba, Munyaradzi, Mashazi, Philani N, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Shumba, Munyaradzi , Mashazi, Philani N , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190438 , vital:44994 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2015.11.001"
- Description: Zn octacarboxy phthalocyanine-reduced graphene oxide or graphene oxide conjugates were characterized by absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermo gravimetric analysis and X-ray photon spectroscopy. The presence of reduced graphene oxide or graphene oxide resulted in the quenching (turn on) of Zn octacarboxy phthalocyanine fluorescence which can be explained by photoinduced electron transfer. Zn octacarboxy phthalocyaninereduced graphene oxide or graphene oxide conjugates “turned on” fluorescence showed a linear response to hydrogen peroxide hence their potential to be used as sensors. The nanoprobe developed showed high selectivity towards hydrogen peroxide in the presence of physiological interferences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Shumba, Munyaradzi , Mashazi, Philani N , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190438 , vital:44994 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2015.11.001"
- Description: Zn octacarboxy phthalocyanine-reduced graphene oxide or graphene oxide conjugates were characterized by absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermo gravimetric analysis and X-ray photon spectroscopy. The presence of reduced graphene oxide or graphene oxide resulted in the quenching (turn on) of Zn octacarboxy phthalocyanine fluorescence which can be explained by photoinduced electron transfer. Zn octacarboxy phthalocyaninereduced graphene oxide or graphene oxide conjugates “turned on” fluorescence showed a linear response to hydrogen peroxide hence their potential to be used as sensors. The nanoprobe developed showed high selectivity towards hydrogen peroxide in the presence of physiological interferences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Aggregation control of robust water-soluble zinc (II) phthalocyanine-based photosensitizers
- Ikeuchi, Takuro, Mack, John, Nyokong, Tebello, Kobayashi, Nagao, Kimura, Mutsumi
- Authors: Ikeuchi, Takuro , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello , Kobayashi, Nagao , Kimura, Mutsumi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/239709 , vital:50757 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.6b03552"
- Description: A water-soluble zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) complex with four negatively charged electron-withdrawing sulfonic acid substituents at the nonperipheral positions (α-ZnTSPc) is found to have a high singlet oxygen (1O2) quantum yield and exhibits high photostability. The formation of aggregates is hindered and the highest occupied molecular orbital is significantly stabilized, making α-ZnTSPc potentially suitable for its use as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy and photoimmunotherapy. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals that mixtures of the negatively charged α-ZnTSPc complex with a similar positively charged ZnPc were found to result in the self-assembly of one-dimensional accordion-like fibers. Supramolecular fibers can be formed in aqueous solutions through intermolecular electrostatic and donor–acceptor interactions between the two water-soluble ZnPcs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ikeuchi, Takuro , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello , Kobayashi, Nagao , Kimura, Mutsumi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/239709 , vital:50757 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.6b03552"
- Description: A water-soluble zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) complex with four negatively charged electron-withdrawing sulfonic acid substituents at the nonperipheral positions (α-ZnTSPc) is found to have a high singlet oxygen (1O2) quantum yield and exhibits high photostability. The formation of aggregates is hindered and the highest occupied molecular orbital is significantly stabilized, making α-ZnTSPc potentially suitable for its use as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy and photoimmunotherapy. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals that mixtures of the negatively charged α-ZnTSPc complex with a similar positively charged ZnPc were found to result in the self-assembly of one-dimensional accordion-like fibers. Supramolecular fibers can be formed in aqueous solutions through intermolecular electrostatic and donor–acceptor interactions between the two water-soluble ZnPcs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Interaction of graphene quantum dots with 4-acetamido-2, 2, 6, 6-tetramethylpiperidine-oxyl free radicals
- Achadu, Ojodomo John, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Achadu, Ojodomo John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189031 , vital:44810 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10895-015-1712-0"
- Description: We report on the interaction of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with 4-acetamido-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidineoxyl (4-acetamido-TEMPO) free radicals. The GQDs were N and S, N doped. The fluorescence quantum yields were higher for the doped GQDs compared to the undoped. The interaction is assessed by spectrofluorimetric, steady state/time resolved fluorescence and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques. Fluorescence quenching was observed upon the addition of 4-acetamido-TEMPO to the GQDs. Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism was suggested as the plausible mechanism involved in the fluorescence quenching in which 4-acetamido-TEMPO acted as the electron acceptor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Achadu, Ojodomo John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189031 , vital:44810 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10895-015-1712-0"
- Description: We report on the interaction of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with 4-acetamido-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidineoxyl (4-acetamido-TEMPO) free radicals. The GQDs were N and S, N doped. The fluorescence quantum yields were higher for the doped GQDs compared to the undoped. The interaction is assessed by spectrofluorimetric, steady state/time resolved fluorescence and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques. Fluorescence quenching was observed upon the addition of 4-acetamido-TEMPO to the GQDs. Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism was suggested as the plausible mechanism involved in the fluorescence quenching in which 4-acetamido-TEMPO acted as the electron acceptor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Heterogeneity in virulence relationships between Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus isolates and geographically distinct host populations: Lessons from codling moth resistance to CpGV-M
- Opoku-Debrah, John K, Hill, Martin P, Knox, Caroline M, Moore, Sean D
- Authors: Opoku-Debrah, John K , Hill, Martin P , Knox, Caroline M , Moore, Sean D
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/417998 , vital:71500 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-016-9728-1"
- Description: In South Africa, the baculovirus Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV) is used to control the citrus pest Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). However, the risk associated with continuous application of a single active ingredient is resistance. In order to manage resistance should it occur in field populations of T. leucotreta in South Africa, five new CrleGV genotypes from geographically distinct insect populations which were shown to exhibit some degree of phenotypic variation were recovered and genetically characterized. In droplet bioassays using seven CrleGV isolates against five T. leucotreta populations, some isolates were found to show higher virulence to some host populations than others. There were marked differences in the LD50 values of isolates and the number of occlusion bodies required per larva ranged between 0.79 and 3.12. The significance of these findings with respect to the application of CrleGV biopesticides and the management of resistance is discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Opoku-Debrah, John K , Hill, Martin P , Knox, Caroline M , Moore, Sean D
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/417998 , vital:71500 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-016-9728-1"
- Description: In South Africa, the baculovirus Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV) is used to control the citrus pest Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). However, the risk associated with continuous application of a single active ingredient is resistance. In order to manage resistance should it occur in field populations of T. leucotreta in South Africa, five new CrleGV genotypes from geographically distinct insect populations which were shown to exhibit some degree of phenotypic variation were recovered and genetically characterized. In droplet bioassays using seven CrleGV isolates against five T. leucotreta populations, some isolates were found to show higher virulence to some host populations than others. There were marked differences in the LD50 values of isolates and the number of occlusion bodies required per larva ranged between 0.79 and 3.12. The significance of these findings with respect to the application of CrleGV biopesticides and the management of resistance is discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Collaborative learning of water conservation practices: cultivation and expansion of a learning network around rainwater harvesting demonstration sites in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Pesanayi, Tichaona V, Weaver, Kim N
- Authors: Pesanayi, Tichaona V , Weaver, Kim N
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/392086 , vital:68720 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajae/article/view/138570"
- Description: Learning together in mediated voluntary networks can mobilise skills and innovations that help to facilitate learning and uptake of rainwater harvesting and conservation practices. It boosts extension capacity while at the same time growing farmer capabilities, tapping on the distributed cognition. These practices help to heal wicked problems of drought and global change challenges affecting marginalised farmers in South Africa. South Africa has water, nutrition and food security challenges, especially the Eastern Cape Province where there is a relatively high level of poverty. These challenges place heavy pressure on the agricultural sector as it is the main user of the allocated water in the country. In this paper, the learning of and agency for rainwater harvesting and conservation practices are explored as responses to these challenges. Despite existing cultural histories of such practices among the amaXhosa people, information on these practices is not readily available to small-scale rural farmers who thus struggle for the want of knowing. This research forms part of a Water Research Commission project, Amanzi for Food, whose intention is to mediate collaborative and co-engaged learning among networked farmers, extension workers, researchers and agricultural educators through course-mediated use of Water Research Commission rainwater harvesting and conservation materials.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Pesanayi, Tichaona V , Weaver, Kim N
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/392086 , vital:68720 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajae/article/view/138570"
- Description: Learning together in mediated voluntary networks can mobilise skills and innovations that help to facilitate learning and uptake of rainwater harvesting and conservation practices. It boosts extension capacity while at the same time growing farmer capabilities, tapping on the distributed cognition. These practices help to heal wicked problems of drought and global change challenges affecting marginalised farmers in South Africa. South Africa has water, nutrition and food security challenges, especially the Eastern Cape Province where there is a relatively high level of poverty. These challenges place heavy pressure on the agricultural sector as it is the main user of the allocated water in the country. In this paper, the learning of and agency for rainwater harvesting and conservation practices are explored as responses to these challenges. Despite existing cultural histories of such practices among the amaXhosa people, information on these practices is not readily available to small-scale rural farmers who thus struggle for the want of knowing. This research forms part of a Water Research Commission project, Amanzi for Food, whose intention is to mediate collaborative and co-engaged learning among networked farmers, extension workers, researchers and agricultural educators through course-mediated use of Water Research Commission rainwater harvesting and conservation materials.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Encompassing the relative non-target risks from agents and their alien plant targets in biological control assessments
- Downey, Paul O, Paterson, Iain D
- Authors: Downey, Paul O , Paterson, Iain D
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/417940 , vital:71496 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-016-9744-1"
- Description: Criticisms about the safety of biological control of alien plants has resulted in a risk-averse approach, where the risks posed by the agent are paramount and the risks posed by the alien plant are neglected. We argue that the risk associated with non-target damage from agents needs to be assessed relative to that of their target alien plants. A literature review of the non-target risks associated with biological control agents was undertaken in terms of the risk to native species from agents relative to the risk to native species from their alien plant targets. We then developed a framework that compares the consequence with the likelihood of non-target damage for both agents and their targets to provide an overall risk rating. Assessments of the risk of damage from both agents and their target alien plants will enable researchers, managers and policy makers to better assess the risks from biological control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Downey, Paul O , Paterson, Iain D
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/417940 , vital:71496 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-016-9744-1"
- Description: Criticisms about the safety of biological control of alien plants has resulted in a risk-averse approach, where the risks posed by the agent are paramount and the risks posed by the alien plant are neglected. We argue that the risk associated with non-target damage from agents needs to be assessed relative to that of their target alien plants. A literature review of the non-target risks associated with biological control agents was undertaken in terms of the risk to native species from agents relative to the risk to native species from their alien plant targets. We then developed a framework that compares the consequence with the likelihood of non-target damage for both agents and their targets to provide an overall risk rating. Assessments of the risk of damage from both agents and their target alien plants will enable researchers, managers and policy makers to better assess the risks from biological control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Case Studies for UNECCC, UNESCO and CEE The COPART Climate Train
- Authors: McGarry, Dylan K
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/391120 , vital:68622 , xlink:href="https://eeasa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/EEASA-Bullitin-2016_18-July-issue-42.pdf"
- Description: To create a listening and educational platform that used various disciplines to understand the impact of Climate Change across South Africa. The objective was to create a multigenre educational space for citizens of South Africa as a means to participate in Climate discussions as an alternative to the COP17 negotiations held in South Africa at the time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: McGarry, Dylan K
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/391120 , vital:68622 , xlink:href="https://eeasa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/EEASA-Bullitin-2016_18-July-issue-42.pdf"
- Description: To create a listening and educational platform that used various disciplines to understand the impact of Climate Change across South Africa. The objective was to create a multigenre educational space for citizens of South Africa as a means to participate in Climate discussions as an alternative to the COP17 negotiations held in South Africa at the time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A comparative physicochemical study of unsymmetrical indium phthalocyanines in the presence of magnetic nanoparticles or quantum dots
- Osifeko, Olawale L, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Osifeko, Olawale L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188743 , vital:44781 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2016.1152628"
- Description: Asymmetric indium phthalocyanine (3, containing an NH2 group) was conjugated (via an amide bond) to magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) functionalized with carboxylic acid or glutathione-capped CdTe/ZnSe/ZnO quantum dots to form 3-MNPs or 3-QDs. Techniques such as time-resolved fluorescence measurements, transmission electron microscopy, XPS, elemental analysis, FTIR, NMR (1H, 13C, and cozy), electronic spectroscopy, as well as mass spectroscopy were employed to characterize 3 and its nanoconjugates. The phthalocyanine conjugated to quantum dot (3-QDs) possesses the lowest Фpd higher Ф∆ and ФT as well as longer triplet lifetimes compares to 3-MNPs and free phthalocyanine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Osifeko, Olawale L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188743 , vital:44781 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2016.1152628"
- Description: Asymmetric indium phthalocyanine (3, containing an NH2 group) was conjugated (via an amide bond) to magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) functionalized with carboxylic acid or glutathione-capped CdTe/ZnSe/ZnO quantum dots to form 3-MNPs or 3-QDs. Techniques such as time-resolved fluorescence measurements, transmission electron microscopy, XPS, elemental analysis, FTIR, NMR (1H, 13C, and cozy), electronic spectroscopy, as well as mass spectroscopy were employed to characterize 3 and its nanoconjugates. The phthalocyanine conjugated to quantum dot (3-QDs) possesses the lowest Фpd higher Ф∆ and ФT as well as longer triplet lifetimes compares to 3-MNPs and free phthalocyanine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Effects of pluronic silica nanoparticles on the photophysical and photodynamic therapy behavior of triphenyl-p-phenoxy benzoic acid metalloporphyrins
- Managa, Muthumuni, Britton, Jonathan, Prinsloo, Earl, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Managa, Muthumuni , Britton, Jonathan , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/239698 , vital:50756 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2016.1236372"
- Description: 5, 10, 15, Triphenyl-20-p-phenoxy benzoic acid porphyrins (P) containing Zn (ZnP), Ga (GaP), and Si (SiP) were synthesized and conjugated to pluronic-silica (PluS) nanoparticles (NPs) where the fluorescence and singlet oxygen generating behavior of the porphyrins were investigated. The highest singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ) was obtained for ZnP. When the porphyrins were conjugated to the PluS NPs, the ΦΔ was quenched and fluorescence was enhanced. The pore size of the NPs upon conjugation decreased from 18.9 nm for PluS NPs to 2.4 nm (for ZnP as an example) as determined by applying the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. The porphyrin complexes and their conjugates were tested for their photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. It was found that ZnP and its conjugate showed the highest PDT activity. The p > 0.05 indicated that ZnP is significantly different than GaP and SiP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Managa, Muthumuni , Britton, Jonathan , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/239698 , vital:50756 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2016.1236372"
- Description: 5, 10, 15, Triphenyl-20-p-phenoxy benzoic acid porphyrins (P) containing Zn (ZnP), Ga (GaP), and Si (SiP) were synthesized and conjugated to pluronic-silica (PluS) nanoparticles (NPs) where the fluorescence and singlet oxygen generating behavior of the porphyrins were investigated. The highest singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ) was obtained for ZnP. When the porphyrins were conjugated to the PluS NPs, the ΦΔ was quenched and fluorescence was enhanced. The pore size of the NPs upon conjugation decreased from 18.9 nm for PluS NPs to 2.4 nm (for ZnP as an example) as determined by applying the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. The porphyrin complexes and their conjugates were tested for their photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. It was found that ZnP and its conjugate showed the highest PDT activity. The p > 0.05 indicated that ZnP is significantly different than GaP and SiP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Efficient energy transfer in ethynyl bridged corrole–BODIPY dyads
- Yan, Yu, Wu, Fan, Qin, Jiawei, Xu, Haijun, Shi, Maohu, Zhou, Jingfeng, Mack, John, Fomo, Gertrude, Nyokong, Tebello, Shen, Zhen
- Authors: Yan, Yu , Wu, Fan , Qin, Jiawei , Xu, Haijun , Shi, Maohu , Zhou, Jingfeng , Mack, John , Fomo, Gertrude , Nyokong, Tebello , Shen, Zhen
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/240899 , vital:50883 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA12271J"
- Description: A series of new corrole–BODIPY dyads bridged by ethynyl linker moieties have been synthesized in high yields and fully characterized. The direction of energy transfer upon electronic excitation has been explored, and was found to be dependent on the number of corrole rings and their connection position on the BODIPY core. Intense bands in the absorption spectrum cover most of the visible region, which is potentially advantageous for capturing solar energy. Studies on the excitation spectra and lifetimes suggest that the energy transfer efficiency between the BODIPY and corrole moieties reaches almost 85%, which appears to be efficient in the context of energy transfer within the singlet manifold.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Yan, Yu , Wu, Fan , Qin, Jiawei , Xu, Haijun , Shi, Maohu , Zhou, Jingfeng , Mack, John , Fomo, Gertrude , Nyokong, Tebello , Shen, Zhen
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/240899 , vital:50883 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA12271J"
- Description: A series of new corrole–BODIPY dyads bridged by ethynyl linker moieties have been synthesized in high yields and fully characterized. The direction of energy transfer upon electronic excitation has been explored, and was found to be dependent on the number of corrole rings and their connection position on the BODIPY core. Intense bands in the absorption spectrum cover most of the visible region, which is potentially advantageous for capturing solar energy. Studies on the excitation spectra and lifetimes suggest that the energy transfer efficiency between the BODIPY and corrole moieties reaches almost 85%, which appears to be efficient in the context of energy transfer within the singlet manifold.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Electrocatalytic activity of nanocomposites of sulphur doped graphene oxide and nanosized cobalt phthalocyanines
- Shumba, Munyaradzi, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Shumba, Munyaradzi , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188530 , vital:44762 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.201600226"
- Description: In this work we explore the electrocatalytic activity of nanocomposites of reduced sulphur doped graphene oxide nanosheets (rSDGONS) and cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) or cobalt tetra amino phthalocyanine (CoTAPc) towards hydrogen peroxide. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photon spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, chronoamperometry, linear scan voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry were used to characterize the nanocomposites. Nanosized CoPc showed superior (in terms of currents) electrocatalytic oxidation and reduction of hydrogen peroxide compared to CoTAPc nanoparticles (CoTAPcNP). The lowest detection limit was obtained for hydrogen peroxide oxidation on electrodes modified with CoPcNP-rSDGONS at 1.49 µM. The same electrode gave a high adsorption equilibrium constant of 1.27×103 mol−1 and a Gibbs free energy of −17.71 kJ/mol, indicative of a spontaneous reaction on the electrode surface.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Shumba, Munyaradzi , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188530 , vital:44762 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.201600226"
- Description: In this work we explore the electrocatalytic activity of nanocomposites of reduced sulphur doped graphene oxide nanosheets (rSDGONS) and cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) or cobalt tetra amino phthalocyanine (CoTAPc) towards hydrogen peroxide. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photon spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, chronoamperometry, linear scan voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry were used to characterize the nanocomposites. Nanosized CoPc showed superior (in terms of currents) electrocatalytic oxidation and reduction of hydrogen peroxide compared to CoTAPc nanoparticles (CoTAPcNP). The lowest detection limit was obtained for hydrogen peroxide oxidation on electrodes modified with CoPcNP-rSDGONS at 1.49 µM. The same electrode gave a high adsorption equilibrium constant of 1.27×103 mol−1 and a Gibbs free energy of −17.71 kJ/mol, indicative of a spontaneous reaction on the electrode surface.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Spectroscopic investigations and theoretical calculations of DABCO induced xanthene bridged self-assembled zinc (II) porphyrin dimer
- Xu, Li, Huang, Tingting, Liang, Xu, Mack, John, Harris, Jessica, Nyokong, Tebello, Li, Minzhi, Zhu, Weihua
- Authors: Xu, Li , Huang, Tingting , Liang, Xu , Mack, John , Harris, Jessica , Nyokong, Tebello , Li, Minzhi , Zhu, Weihua
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/240732 , vital:50866 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424616500231"
- Description: An in-depth study of the electronic structure of a 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) induced molecular self-assembled xanthene-bridged and amide-bonded porphyrin dimer is reported. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations are used to identify trends in the optical spectroscopic properties. B3LYP geometry optimization predicts the formation of an almost perfectly eclipsed structure with respect to the two porphyrin rings with the analogous pyrrole nitrogens separated by 7.7–8.1 Å. The observed distinctive derivative-shaped band morphology of the pseudo-Faraday-A11 terms in the MCD spectra has been used to identify the main electronic Q and B-bands and to validate the TD-DFT calculations. The absence of a discernible splitting of the redox steps or a quenching of the fluorescence demonstrates that there is no significant exciton coupling between the two porphyrin rings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Xu, Li , Huang, Tingting , Liang, Xu , Mack, John , Harris, Jessica , Nyokong, Tebello , Li, Minzhi , Zhu, Weihua
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/240732 , vital:50866 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424616500231"
- Description: An in-depth study of the electronic structure of a 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) induced molecular self-assembled xanthene-bridged and amide-bonded porphyrin dimer is reported. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations are used to identify trends in the optical spectroscopic properties. B3LYP geometry optimization predicts the formation of an almost perfectly eclipsed structure with respect to the two porphyrin rings with the analogous pyrrole nitrogens separated by 7.7–8.1 Å. The observed distinctive derivative-shaped band morphology of the pseudo-Faraday-A11 terms in the MCD spectra has been used to identify the main electronic Q and B-bands and to validate the TD-DFT calculations. The absence of a discernible splitting of the redox steps or a quenching of the fluorescence demonstrates that there is no significant exciton coupling between the two porphyrin rings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Synthesis and singlet oxygen production by a phthalocyanine when embedded in asymmetric polymer membranes
- Mafukidze, Donovan M, Mashazi, Philani N, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mafukidze, Donovan M , Mashazi, Philani N , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188563 , vital:44765 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2016.10.032"
- Description: 2(3), 9(10), 16(17), 23(24)-Tetrakis-(4-aminophenoxy) phthalocyaninato indium (III) chloride (ClInTAPPc, 3) was first conjugated to two different polymers: polystyrene (PS) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) to form 3-PS and 3-PAN. The conjugates were cast into the corresponding polymers to form membranes represented as 3-PS-membrane and 3-PAN-membrane, respectively. The prepared membranes were characterized using various techniques including scanning electron microscopy and solid state UV/Vis spectroscopy. Singlet oxygen quantum yields were higher for the 3-PS-membrane at 0.51 compared to 3-PAN-membrane at 0.35. The larger singlet oxygen also applies to 3-PS (0.63) compared to 3-PAN (0.38) when in solution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mafukidze, Donovan M , Mashazi, Philani N , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188563 , vital:44765 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2016.10.032"
- Description: 2(3), 9(10), 16(17), 23(24)-Tetrakis-(4-aminophenoxy) phthalocyaninato indium (III) chloride (ClInTAPPc, 3) was first conjugated to two different polymers: polystyrene (PS) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) to form 3-PS and 3-PAN. The conjugates were cast into the corresponding polymers to form membranes represented as 3-PS-membrane and 3-PAN-membrane, respectively. The prepared membranes were characterized using various techniques including scanning electron microscopy and solid state UV/Vis spectroscopy. Singlet oxygen quantum yields were higher for the 3-PS-membrane at 0.51 compared to 3-PAN-membrane at 0.35. The larger singlet oxygen also applies to 3-PS (0.63) compared to 3-PAN (0.38) when in solution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Nonlinear optical behavior of neodymium mono-and bi-nuclear phthalocyanines linked to zinc oxide nanoparticles and incorporated into poly acrylic acid
- Sekhosana, Kutloana E, Amuhaya, Edith, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Sekhosana, Kutloana E , Amuhaya, Edith , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188766 , vital:44783 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2015.12.045"
- Description: Syntheses of bis{23-(3,4-di-yloxybenzoic acid)-(2(3), 9(10), 16(17), 23(24))-(hexakis-pyridin-3-yloxy phthalocyaninato)} dineodymium (III) acetate (3) and 2(3), 9(10), 16(17), 23(24)-(tetrapyridin-3-yloxy phthalocyaninato) neodymium (III) acetate (4) as well as their conjugates with ZnO nanoparticles (conjugates 6, 7 and 8) are presented. Thin films of conjugate 6 (where complex 3 is linked to ZnO nanoparticles via an amide bond) gave the best third-order susceptibility (5.89 × 10−8 esu), second-order hyperpolarizability (2.53 × 10−25 esu) and the lowest limiting threshold values (0.12 J cm−2). The nonlinear behavior is enhanced in solid state when compared to solution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Sekhosana, Kutloana E , Amuhaya, Edith , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188766 , vital:44783 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2015.12.045"
- Description: Syntheses of bis{23-(3,4-di-yloxybenzoic acid)-(2(3), 9(10), 16(17), 23(24))-(hexakis-pyridin-3-yloxy phthalocyaninato)} dineodymium (III) acetate (3) and 2(3), 9(10), 16(17), 23(24)-(tetrapyridin-3-yloxy phthalocyaninato) neodymium (III) acetate (4) as well as their conjugates with ZnO nanoparticles (conjugates 6, 7 and 8) are presented. Thin films of conjugate 6 (where complex 3 is linked to ZnO nanoparticles via an amide bond) gave the best third-order susceptibility (5.89 × 10−8 esu), second-order hyperpolarizability (2.53 × 10−25 esu) and the lowest limiting threshold values (0.12 J cm−2). The nonlinear behavior is enhanced in solid state when compared to solution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Antibacterial effects of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. and Thonn.) Müll. Arg extracts and compounds on gastrointestinal, skin, respiratory and urinary tract pathogens
- Siwe-Noundou, Xavier, Krause, Rui W M, van Vuuren, Sandy, Tantoh Ndinteh, Derek, Olivier, D K
- Authors: Siwe-Noundou, Xavier , Krause, Rui W M , van Vuuren, Sandy , Tantoh Ndinteh, Derek , Olivier, D K
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/195418 , vital:45563 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.12.043"
- Description: Ethnopharmacological relevance:The leaves, stems and roots ofAlchornea cordifolia(Schumach. andThonn.) Müll. Arg. are used as traditional medicine in many African countries for the management ofgastrointestinal, respiratory and urinary tract infections as well as for the treatment of wounds.Aim of the study:To determine the in vitro antibacterial activity of the crude extracts of leaves and stemsofA. cordifoliaon gastrointestinal, skin, respiratory and urinary tract pathogens and to identify thecompounds in the extracts that may be responsible for this activity.Materials and methods:The antibacterial activities of crude extracts [hexane, chloroform (CHCl3), ethylacetate (EtOAc), ethanol (EtOH), methanol (MeOH) and water (H2O)] as well as pure compounds isolatedfrom these extracts were evaluated by means of the micro-dilution assay against four Gram-positivebacteria, i.e.Bacillus cereusATCC 11778,Enterococcus faecalisATCC 29212, Staphylococcus aureusATCC25923 andS. saprophyticusATCC 15305,as well as four Gram-negative bacterial strains, i.e.EscherichiacoliATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniaeATCC 13883, Moraxella catarrhalisATCC 23246 andProteus mir-abilisATCC 43071. The isolation of the active constituents was undertaken by bio-autographic assays inconjunction with chromatographic techniques. The identification and characterisation of the isolatedcompounds were done using mass spectrometry (MS) and Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry(FTIR) as well as 1D- and 2D- nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses.Results:The leaves and stems ofA. cordifoliaexhibited varied antibacterial activity against all eight pa-thogens. Most of the MIC values ranged between 63 and 2000mg/ml. The highest activities for the crudeextracts (63mg/ml) were observed againstS. saprophyticus[stem (EtOAc, CHCl3and hexane), leaves(MeOH, EtOH, EtOAc and CHCl3)],E. coli[stem (MeOH and EtOH), leaves (MeOH, EtOH, EtOAc andCHCl3)],M. catarrhalis[leaves (EtOAc and CHCl3)],K. pneumoniae[stem (CHCl3), leaves (CHCl3)] andS.aureus[leaves (CHCl3)]. Seven constituents [stigmasterol (1), stigmasta-4,22-dien-3-one (2), friedelin (3),friedelane-3-one-28-al (4), 3-O-acetyl-aleuritolic acid (5), 3-O-acetyl-erythrodiol (6) and methyl-3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate (methyl gallate) (7)] were isolated from the stem MeOH extract. All these com-pounds displayed some antibacterial activity against the eight pathogens with highest activity againstS.saprophyticus(2mg/ml). Furthermore, this is thefirst report of compounds1,2,3,4,6and7isolated fromA. cordifoliaand where a complete set of 2D-NMR data for fridelane-3-one-28-al (4) is presented.Conclusion:The study demonstrated that the antibacterial activities ofA. cordifoliaextracts may be dueto the presence of the seven isolated compounds, where compounds3–6showed the best activity. Theobserved activity against gastrointestinal, skin, respiratory and urinary tract pathogens supports thetraditional use for the treatment of such ailments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Siwe-Noundou, Xavier , Krause, Rui W M , van Vuuren, Sandy , Tantoh Ndinteh, Derek , Olivier, D K
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/195418 , vital:45563 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.12.043"
- Description: Ethnopharmacological relevance:The leaves, stems and roots ofAlchornea cordifolia(Schumach. andThonn.) Müll. Arg. are used as traditional medicine in many African countries for the management ofgastrointestinal, respiratory and urinary tract infections as well as for the treatment of wounds.Aim of the study:To determine the in vitro antibacterial activity of the crude extracts of leaves and stemsofA. cordifoliaon gastrointestinal, skin, respiratory and urinary tract pathogens and to identify thecompounds in the extracts that may be responsible for this activity.Materials and methods:The antibacterial activities of crude extracts [hexane, chloroform (CHCl3), ethylacetate (EtOAc), ethanol (EtOH), methanol (MeOH) and water (H2O)] as well as pure compounds isolatedfrom these extracts were evaluated by means of the micro-dilution assay against four Gram-positivebacteria, i.e.Bacillus cereusATCC 11778,Enterococcus faecalisATCC 29212, Staphylococcus aureusATCC25923 andS. saprophyticusATCC 15305,as well as four Gram-negative bacterial strains, i.e.EscherichiacoliATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniaeATCC 13883, Moraxella catarrhalisATCC 23246 andProteus mir-abilisATCC 43071. The isolation of the active constituents was undertaken by bio-autographic assays inconjunction with chromatographic techniques. The identification and characterisation of the isolatedcompounds were done using mass spectrometry (MS) and Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry(FTIR) as well as 1D- and 2D- nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses.Results:The leaves and stems ofA. cordifoliaexhibited varied antibacterial activity against all eight pa-thogens. Most of the MIC values ranged between 63 and 2000mg/ml. The highest activities for the crudeextracts (63mg/ml) were observed againstS. saprophyticus[stem (EtOAc, CHCl3and hexane), leaves(MeOH, EtOH, EtOAc and CHCl3)],E. coli[stem (MeOH and EtOH), leaves (MeOH, EtOH, EtOAc andCHCl3)],M. catarrhalis[leaves (EtOAc and CHCl3)],K. pneumoniae[stem (CHCl3), leaves (CHCl3)] andS.aureus[leaves (CHCl3)]. Seven constituents [stigmasterol (1), stigmasta-4,22-dien-3-one (2), friedelin (3),friedelane-3-one-28-al (4), 3-O-acetyl-aleuritolic acid (5), 3-O-acetyl-erythrodiol (6) and methyl-3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate (methyl gallate) (7)] were isolated from the stem MeOH extract. All these com-pounds displayed some antibacterial activity against the eight pathogens with highest activity againstS.saprophyticus(2mg/ml). Furthermore, this is thefirst report of compounds1,2,3,4,6and7isolated fromA. cordifoliaand where a complete set of 2D-NMR data for fridelane-3-one-28-al (4) is presented.Conclusion:The study demonstrated that the antibacterial activities ofA. cordifoliaextracts may be dueto the presence of the seven isolated compounds, where compounds3–6showed the best activity. Theobserved activity against gastrointestinal, skin, respiratory and urinary tract pathogens supports thetraditional use for the treatment of such ailments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Synthesis and physicochemical properties of zinc and indium phthalocyanines conjugated to quantum dots, gold and magnetic nanoparticles
- Osifeko, Olawale, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Osifeko, Olawale , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188639 , vital:44771 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2016.04.015"
- Description: This work reports on the conjugation of semiconductors quantum dots (QDs), gold (AuNPs) or Fe3O4 magnetic (MNPs) nanoparticles to 4-(4,6-diaminopyrimidin-2-ylthio) substituted indium or zinc phthalocyanines (Pcs). The QDs and MNPs were linked to the Pcs via an amide bond and by chemisorption unto AuNP surface. There is a general decrease in fluorescence quantum yields of the Pcs in the presence of all the nanoparticles. There is an increase triplet quantum yields for Pcs in the presence of AuNPs and QDs, but not in the presence of MNPs. AuNPs conjugates irrespective of the central atoms have the highest singlet oxygen quantum yield and are more photo-stable than all the other conjugates. MPcs are less photostable in the presence of MNPs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Osifeko, Olawale , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188639 , vital:44771 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2016.04.015"
- Description: This work reports on the conjugation of semiconductors quantum dots (QDs), gold (AuNPs) or Fe3O4 magnetic (MNPs) nanoparticles to 4-(4,6-diaminopyrimidin-2-ylthio) substituted indium or zinc phthalocyanines (Pcs). The QDs and MNPs were linked to the Pcs via an amide bond and by chemisorption unto AuNP surface. There is a general decrease in fluorescence quantum yields of the Pcs in the presence of all the nanoparticles. There is an increase triplet quantum yields for Pcs in the presence of AuNPs and QDs, but not in the presence of MNPs. AuNPs conjugates irrespective of the central atoms have the highest singlet oxygen quantum yield and are more photo-stable than all the other conjugates. MPcs are less photostable in the presence of MNPs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Distribution and use of cash income from basket and mat crafting: Implications for rural livelihoods in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Adam, Y O, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Adam, Y O , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180434 , vital:43388 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14728028.2016.1186576"
- Description: The objective of this paper was to investigate the extent to which baskets and mats local trade contributes to rural livelihoods of the crafters’ household and community downstream income. Primary data were collected through structured interviews with 83 crafters from Noqhekwana village in Port St. Johns municipality using snowball sampling in May, 2015. The survey was supplemented by secondary data and direct observations. The findings show that crafting contributed 35% of crafter’s household total income. The received income is spent on expenses in the household and downstream actors depending on the crafter’s priorities. Lack of organization between crafters, access to sufficient raw material, and low prices were identified as major challenges involved in the production and trade of the products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Adam, Y O , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180434 , vital:43388 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14728028.2016.1186576"
- Description: The objective of this paper was to investigate the extent to which baskets and mats local trade contributes to rural livelihoods of the crafters’ household and community downstream income. Primary data were collected through structured interviews with 83 crafters from Noqhekwana village in Port St. Johns municipality using snowball sampling in May, 2015. The survey was supplemented by secondary data and direct observations. The findings show that crafting contributed 35% of crafter’s household total income. The received income is spent on expenses in the household and downstream actors depending on the crafter’s priorities. Lack of organization between crafters, access to sufficient raw material, and low prices were identified as major challenges involved in the production and trade of the products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Nonlinear optical response of a low symmetry phthalocyanine in the presence of gold nanoparticles when in solution or embedded in poly acrylic acid polymer thin films
- Bankole, Owolabi M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Bankole, Owolabi M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188719 , vital:44779 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2015.12.014"
- Description: In this article, we explored the photophysical and nonlinear optical (NLO) characterizations of low symmetry phthalocyanine (ZnPc-NH2) covalently linked to MPA-capped AuNPs (ZnPc-NH2-AuNPs) and poly acrylic acid (ZnPc-NH2-PAA). Nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of the samples were evaluated using Z-scan technique at 532 nm and 10 ns pulsed duration. We observed enhanced photophysical and nonlinear optical behaviour for the ZnPc-NH2 in presence of AuNPs. By virtue of the magnitude of absorption coefficients and other NLO optical parameters estimated in this work, ZnPc-NH2-AuNPs was found to exhibit improved nonlinear optical response compared to the ZnPc-NH2 and ZnPc-NH2-PAA. Both ZnPc-NH2-AuNPs and ZnPc-NH2 doped in PAA possess strong nonlinear absorption coefficients and very low limiting thresholds than when measured in solution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Bankole, Owolabi M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188719 , vital:44779 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2015.12.014"
- Description: In this article, we explored the photophysical and nonlinear optical (NLO) characterizations of low symmetry phthalocyanine (ZnPc-NH2) covalently linked to MPA-capped AuNPs (ZnPc-NH2-AuNPs) and poly acrylic acid (ZnPc-NH2-PAA). Nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of the samples were evaluated using Z-scan technique at 532 nm and 10 ns pulsed duration. We observed enhanced photophysical and nonlinear optical behaviour for the ZnPc-NH2 in presence of AuNPs. By virtue of the magnitude of absorption coefficients and other NLO optical parameters estimated in this work, ZnPc-NH2-AuNPs was found to exhibit improved nonlinear optical response compared to the ZnPc-NH2 and ZnPc-NH2-PAA. Both ZnPc-NH2-AuNPs and ZnPc-NH2 doped in PAA possess strong nonlinear absorption coefficients and very low limiting thresholds than when measured in solution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016